Segmented Roller Clutch for Smooth Torque Transmission Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving force transmission apparatuses face challenges in smoothly switching between on and off states, as rollers may fail to disengage properly, leading to incomplete disengagement and inefficient state transitions.
Innovation Solution
A driving force transmission apparatus with an outer and inner peripheral portion, a space containing alternating large and small sub-spaces, rolling elements, an elastic body, and a switching member that displaces axially to control the engagement and disengagement of rolling elements, ensuring seamless transitions between on and off states by utilizing a two-way clutch and electromagnetic clutch for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If rollers are pressed by elastic members to engage with both inner ring and outer ring, then torque transmission is achieved, but smooth disengagement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The space between inner and outer rings is segmented into multiple sub-spaces (first sub-space, second sub-space, third sub-space) with different circumferential widths. Rollers can be positioned in different sub-spaces to achieve different functional states: engaged state (both rollers in narrow second sub-space), disengaged state (both rollers in wide first or third sub-space), and one-way clutch state (one roller in narrow second sub-space, one roller in wide first or third sub-space). This segmentation allows smooth transition between states by providing intermediate positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different engagement states by controlling the radial positions of rollers relative to the inner and outer rings. The controlling cage and rotational cage rotate relative to each other, causing rollers to move radially inward or outward. This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between engaged, disengaged, and one-way clutch states, enabling smooth state transitions while maintaining torque transmission capability when needed.
2Power
If both rollers of each pair are in engagement with inner ring and outer ring, then torque transmission is maximized, but state switching reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sub-spaces have different circumferential widths, creating local quality variations in the engagement geometry. The narrow second sub-space provides strong engagement for torque transmission, while the wide first and third sub-spaces facilitate easy disengagement. By positioning rollers in different sub-spaces, the system achieves reliable state switching with distinct positional differences between engaged and disengaged states, reducing the risk of incomplete transitions.
3Reliability
If magnetic force is increased to ensure reliable engagement, then torque transmission reliability improves, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism with a mechanical two-way clutch system using rollers, elastic members, and geometrically defined sub-spaces. The two-way clutch provides reliable engagement through mechanical interference fit in the narrow second sub-space, reducing dependence on high magnetic force. This substitution allows for a more compact electromagnetic clutch design while maintaining reliable engagement through the mechanical advantage of the segmented space geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables smooth switching between rotational force transmission and non-transmission states, ensuring reliable operation and efficient state changes, reducing magnetic force requirements and allowing for a compact electromagnetic clutch design.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body to elastically urge the rolling elements of the at least one pair away from each other in the circumferential direction
Implementation Method 2
allowing for a compact electromagnetic clutch design
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Displacement of a switching member in a first direction causes rolling elements of each pair to come out of engagement with an outer peripheral portion or an inner peripheral portion and form clearances therewith, resulting in an OFF state of a driving force transmission apparatus. Displacement of the switching member in a second direction causes a downstream one of the rolling elements of each pair in the direction of rotation to come into zero clearance engagement with the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion, with a clearance formed between an upstream one of the rolling elements of each pair and the outer peripheral portion or the inner peripheral portion, resulting in an ON state of the driving force transmission apparatus.